Hunahpu's Imperial Stout
Cigar City Brewing
- From:
- Cigar City Brewing
- Florida, United States
- Style:
- Imperial Pastry Stout
Ranked #21 - ABV:
- 10.2%
- Score:
- 100
Ranked #77 - Avg:
- 4.57 | pDev: 8.32%
- Ratings:
- | reviews: 868
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- May 01, 2026
- Added:
- Jan 03, 2009
- Wants:
- 3,731
- Gots:
- 1,262
SCORE
100
World-Class
100
World-Class
In Mayan mythology, Hun Hunahpu was the father of the Mayan hero twins Hunahpu and Xbalanque. Hun Hunahpu, along with his brother Vucub Hunahpu, was tricked by the Dark Lords of the underworld and slain. Hun Hunahpu’s corpse morphed into a cacao tree, his head becoming a cacao pod, which in typically awesome mythology fashion, spit upon the hand of a young maiden named Xiquic who promptly became pregnant with the hero twins. The twins would ultimately grow up to avenge their father and uncle and defeat the Dark Lords and ascend the heavens to become the moon and sun. We brew Hunahpu's Imperial Stout once a year and release it only at the brewery on the second weekend in March. We will continue to do so until the end of the cycle.
Dark chocolate, mocha, cinnamon and molasses aromas all compete for attention on the nose, with a soft alcohol spiciness and dark fruit notes complimenting. Imposing and assertive on the palate, this imperial stout immediately presents espresso, baker’s chocolate and plum flavors that give way to cinnamon, toffee and an earthy hop quality. Scoville heat slowly builds with each sip, while a soft bitterness and moderate carbonation provide counterpoint to this viscous, complex creation.
80 IBU
Dark chocolate, mocha, cinnamon and molasses aromas all compete for attention on the nose, with a soft alcohol spiciness and dark fruit notes complimenting. Imposing and assertive on the palate, this imperial stout immediately presents espresso, baker’s chocolate and plum flavors that give way to cinnamon, toffee and an earthy hop quality. Scoville heat slowly builds with each sip, while a soft bitterness and moderate carbonation provide counterpoint to this viscous, complex creation.
80 IBU
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by beergoot:
Reviewed by beergoot from Colorado
4.53/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
4.53/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Revisited February 24th, 2021
Vintage 2021
ABV: 11.8%; pouring temperature: 50 °F: bottling info: 2021 Lottery
Source: beer trade with @Ocalafox
Pours an opaque, browinish-black color; initial thick, reddish-brown head that rapidly dissipates to a barely perceptible partial ring of percolating carbonation around the inside circumference of the glass. Fantastic smells; amburana and star anise; chili pepper notes; low-key dark chocolate tones in the background. The taste bursts with spicy and roasted grain flavors; cinnamon with slow-burn chili pepper flavors; nice blend of milk and bitter chocolate sweetness; slight sense of charred grain bitterness; mysterious dark pitted fruit esters. Heavy, silky mouthfeel; feels a tad weak for the style; slick residual sugars; balancing chili pepper heat.
Compared to the 2020 version I had, this edition loses some points on looks and feel yet still retains a solid '5' taste rating and 4.5 overall score. This (and the 2020 edition) were well worth a few bottles of Pliny the Elder!
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Original April 18th, 2021 scores and ratings:
3.75 4.25 5.0 4.75 4.5; BA weighted overall score: 4.62; rDev: +1.1%
Source: beer trade with @DoctorZombies
Abyss black body; fizzy carbonation percolating up through the depths; initial decent head yet it quickly dissipates to a thin fizzy ring dancing around the circumference of the glass. Outstanding aroma; tropical fruit sweetness with a rich bitter chocolate element; chili peppers. The taste multiplies the smell sensations; chili pepper spiciness with cinnamon overtones; cocoa and bitter chocolate; star anise. Heavy body; slick and oily on the palate; warm with chili heat and boozy warmth; sticky residual sugars coat the palate and offset the warmth notes with a sweet mouthfeel quality.
2020 edition, 11.6% ABV per the Cigar City UPC sales sheet. This beer was made available to me out of the blue, and what treat this is. Many chili and high ABV beers suffer in the head retention department, and that seems to be the case hear, but everything climbs to a high degree afterwards in the sensory appeal department. This is one awesome imperial stout augmented with a devilish chili pepper kick.
Apr 18, 2021Vintage 2021
ABV: 11.8%; pouring temperature: 50 °F: bottling info: 2021 Lottery
Source: beer trade with @Ocalafox
Pours an opaque, browinish-black color; initial thick, reddish-brown head that rapidly dissipates to a barely perceptible partial ring of percolating carbonation around the inside circumference of the glass. Fantastic smells; amburana and star anise; chili pepper notes; low-key dark chocolate tones in the background. The taste bursts with spicy and roasted grain flavors; cinnamon with slow-burn chili pepper flavors; nice blend of milk and bitter chocolate sweetness; slight sense of charred grain bitterness; mysterious dark pitted fruit esters. Heavy, silky mouthfeel; feels a tad weak for the style; slick residual sugars; balancing chili pepper heat.
Compared to the 2020 version I had, this edition loses some points on looks and feel yet still retains a solid '5' taste rating and 4.5 overall score. This (and the 2020 edition) were well worth a few bottles of Pliny the Elder!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Original April 18th, 2021 scores and ratings:
3.75 4.25 5.0 4.75 4.5; BA weighted overall score: 4.62; rDev: +1.1%
Source: beer trade with @DoctorZombies
Abyss black body; fizzy carbonation percolating up through the depths; initial decent head yet it quickly dissipates to a thin fizzy ring dancing around the circumference of the glass. Outstanding aroma; tropical fruit sweetness with a rich bitter chocolate element; chili peppers. The taste multiplies the smell sensations; chili pepper spiciness with cinnamon overtones; cocoa and bitter chocolate; star anise. Heavy body; slick and oily on the palate; warm with chili heat and boozy warmth; sticky residual sugars coat the palate and offset the warmth notes with a sweet mouthfeel quality.
2020 edition, 11.6% ABV per the Cigar City UPC sales sheet. This beer was made available to me out of the blue, and what treat this is. Many chili and high ABV beers suffer in the head retention department, and that seems to be the case hear, but everything climbs to a high degree afterwards in the sensory appeal department. This is one awesome imperial stout augmented with a devilish chili pepper kick.
More User Ratings:
Reviewed by RyanK252 from California
4.3/5 rDev -5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.3/5 rDev -5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
2015 bottle poured into a snifter
A: Pours basically black with a frothy tawny brown head that settles to a light layer and leaves a little spotty lacing.
S: Roasty, mild char, dark chocolate, coffee, vanilla, nice hit of spice, cinnamon and chilis, dark fruit, molasses, a little umami, and toffee sweetness.
T: Roasty, dark chocolate, coffee, vanilla, nice touch of spice, cinnamon and chilis, faint dark fruit, molasses, a little umami, and some toffee sweetness.
M: Full body, mild to moderate carbonation, creamy smooth.
O: My buddy pulled his last bottle out of the cellar to celebrate his hockey team advancing in the playoffs and was kind enough to share. Definitely not at its peak, but it has held up very well. Stoked to get to try it, definitely makes me wanna track it down again even fresher.
May 01, 2026A: Pours basically black with a frothy tawny brown head that settles to a light layer and leaves a little spotty lacing.
S: Roasty, mild char, dark chocolate, coffee, vanilla, nice hit of spice, cinnamon and chilis, dark fruit, molasses, a little umami, and toffee sweetness.
T: Roasty, dark chocolate, coffee, vanilla, nice touch of spice, cinnamon and chilis, faint dark fruit, molasses, a little umami, and some toffee sweetness.
M: Full body, mild to moderate carbonation, creamy smooth.
O: My buddy pulled his last bottle out of the cellar to celebrate his hockey team advancing in the playoffs and was kind enough to share. Definitely not at its peak, but it has held up very well. Stoked to get to try it, definitely makes me wanna track it down again even fresher.
Reviewed by Bishop from Wisconsin
4.46/5 rDev -2.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
4.46/5 rDev -2.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Notes were blinded to what this beer was, dated 3/1/22, courtesy of Roguer in BIF:
Pours deep black, nice foamy head. Smells of berry or cherry. Tastes of berry/cherry and bourbon, oak, and perhaps maple. Mouthfeel is appropriately carbonated with a lingering bitter aftertaste that turns sweet as time progresses with some heat as it warms.
This was a puzzler for my tastebuds. Turns out this wasn't fruited and the maple I thought I tasted was confused with molasses; that said, it's a great beer through and through.
Mar 08, 2025Pours deep black, nice foamy head. Smells of berry or cherry. Tastes of berry/cherry and bourbon, oak, and perhaps maple. Mouthfeel is appropriately carbonated with a lingering bitter aftertaste that turns sweet as time progresses with some heat as it warms.
This was a puzzler for my tastebuds. Turns out this wasn't fruited and the maple I thought I tasted was confused with molasses; that said, it's a great beer through and through.
Reviewed by moysauce from Illinois
4/5 rDev -12.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4/5 rDev -12.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Review from 2018 on untappd: What a time to be alive. Finally getting to try this and I have much better shelfies available. Don't get me wrong. Good beer. Not great.
Ha! What a review! Would love to revisit
Mar 06, 2024Ha! What a review! Would love to revisit
Rated by Curt2969 from Ohio
4.48/5 rDev -2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
4.48/5 rDev -2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
2019 (10th anniversary) vintage. Not the best stout I've had, by far, but certainly a fantastic brew. Highly recommend!
Nov 11, 2023
Reviewed by DIM from Pennsylvania
4.41/5 rDev -3.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
4.41/5 rDev -3.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
I haven't tried many of this type of beer to make a fair comparison, but I can see why this has received so much love. Hole-a mole-a sauce this is tasty. Up front the bitter baker's chocolate is accented nicely by earthy vanilla, mild pepper, and faint spice. The chilli kicks up significantly heading into the finish, pretty much right into my heat sweet spot. Just a great beer that I am so glad to try, thanks beergoot!
Oct 25, 2023
Reviewed by papposilenus from New Hampshire
4.13/5 rDev -9.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
4.13/5 rDev -9.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
From a 500ml bottle, dated 03/11/23. Served in a spiegelau tulip glass.
Pours a thin-appearing oak-brown with no obvious highlights. A generous finger of lush, coffee colored foam doesn’t last but maybe 20 seconds leaving a narrow collar and a rousable spatter of oily, super-slippery lacing.
Nose is… fruity? A sweet, candy-like coffee aroma and, totally unexpectedly, raspberry - which must be an olfactory hallucination, or at least how my brain is interpreting the combination of vanilla, cinnamon and chiles.
Taste is sweet but not heavily so, with a berry-like coffee bean flavour and that fruity mélange of cinnamon-vanilla-chile pepper that my brain persists in translating as ‘raspberry’ bringing a brightness and lightness which keeps the beer from tasting syrupy. A slick Cadbury-like milk chocolatey character becomes more evident as the beer warms accompanied by some heat from the chiles. There’s a very faint soy sauce quality in the aftertaste which doesn’t detract much.
Feel is oily-smooth and creamy-slick, medium bodied but a little light relative to the style with gentle, prickly carbonation. Chile heat builds up on the palate somewhat and amplifies the otherwise mild carbonation, lightening the mouthfeel further.
Overall, pretty good but maybe a little bit of a mixed bag. I won’t call the flavours ‘muddled,’ but it is a very ‘busy’ flavour profile which, weirdly, for my palate, comes across very fruity and raspberry-like.
Jun 15, 2023Pours a thin-appearing oak-brown with no obvious highlights. A generous finger of lush, coffee colored foam doesn’t last but maybe 20 seconds leaving a narrow collar and a rousable spatter of oily, super-slippery lacing.
Nose is… fruity? A sweet, candy-like coffee aroma and, totally unexpectedly, raspberry - which must be an olfactory hallucination, or at least how my brain is interpreting the combination of vanilla, cinnamon and chiles.
Taste is sweet but not heavily so, with a berry-like coffee bean flavour and that fruity mélange of cinnamon-vanilla-chile pepper that my brain persists in translating as ‘raspberry’ bringing a brightness and lightness which keeps the beer from tasting syrupy. A slick Cadbury-like milk chocolatey character becomes more evident as the beer warms accompanied by some heat from the chiles. There’s a very faint soy sauce quality in the aftertaste which doesn’t detract much.
Feel is oily-smooth and creamy-slick, medium bodied but a little light relative to the style with gentle, prickly carbonation. Chile heat builds up on the palate somewhat and amplifies the otherwise mild carbonation, lightening the mouthfeel further.
Overall, pretty good but maybe a little bit of a mixed bag. I won’t call the flavours ‘muddled,’ but it is a very ‘busy’ flavour profile which, weirdly, for my palate, comes across very fruity and raspberry-like.
Reviewed by MadMadMike from France
3.99/5 rDev -12.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
3.99/5 rDev -12.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
2022 pint can, chilled, left to warm. Flat black on the pour, thick, sticky, tiny bit of struggled foam that vanished fast.
Smells like cinnamon, vanilla, cacao nibs, and chilli peppers being muddled together.
Tastes the same. Just too much going on. Cloyingly sweet and thick, slightly gritty, too much cinnamon, and who needs hot peppers in their stout?
Overall, I’ve attended 5 Hunahpu’s Day celebrations at the CCB Spruce Street brewery over the years and have bought a bottle or can each time and come away thinking the same thing: nice novelty.,. but way too busy and quite over rated.
Mar 23, 2023Smells like cinnamon, vanilla, cacao nibs, and chilli peppers being muddled together.
Tastes the same. Just too much going on. Cloyingly sweet and thick, slightly gritty, too much cinnamon, and who needs hot peppers in their stout?
Overall, I’ve attended 5 Hunahpu’s Day celebrations at the CCB Spruce Street brewery over the years and have bought a bottle or can each time and come away thinking the same thing: nice novelty.,. but way too busy and quite over rated.
Reviewed by Roy_Hobbs from Connecticut
4.33/5 rDev -5.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
4.33/5 rDev -5.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
2020 vintage received courtesy of @roguer.
Appearance is typical for the style, which means it's a nice looking dark, dark brown with a half inch of tan colored head. Nice legs. Aroma is wonderfully rich and decadent, but not in an artificial way. Plenty of sweet molasses, chocolate, a hint of vanilla, and some faint figs / raisins. That description doesn't do this any real justice, so in summary, this beer smells great.
Taste is interesting. Nowhere near as sweet on the nose, with some naturally bitter cacao notes, cinnamon and pepper combining brilliantly with the base beer. The spiciness is Goldilocks.....just right. A bit less and they wouldn't be notable. A bit more and they would overpower. There's a really nice sweetness deep into the finish that helps add to the complexity of this beer. Fully bodies and smooth, leaving a really nice coating on the tongue with a pleasant alcohol warming.
Overall this is excellent.
Mar 04, 2023Appearance is typical for the style, which means it's a nice looking dark, dark brown with a half inch of tan colored head. Nice legs. Aroma is wonderfully rich and decadent, but not in an artificial way. Plenty of sweet molasses, chocolate, a hint of vanilla, and some faint figs / raisins. That description doesn't do this any real justice, so in summary, this beer smells great.
Taste is interesting. Nowhere near as sweet on the nose, with some naturally bitter cacao notes, cinnamon and pepper combining brilliantly with the base beer. The spiciness is Goldilocks.....just right. A bit less and they wouldn't be notable. A bit more and they would overpower. There's a really nice sweetness deep into the finish that helps add to the complexity of this beer. Fully bodies and smooth, leaving a really nice coating on the tongue with a pleasant alcohol warming.
Overall this is excellent.
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